Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Schools Legacy And History

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has seen the rise of many reputable schools/academies/training/institutions over the years, but few can match the legacy and impact of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu.  Alliance Jiu-Jitsu is a name synonymous with excellence in BJJ, with a rich history of more than three decades. The Alliance’s team has produced some of the greatest champions and established an extensive global network of affiliates. However, behind the team's success lies a story of fiery passion, dedication, and perseverance of the BJJ lovers that helped in shaping the bright future of BJJ practitioners.

In this article, we will discuss the history and legacy of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu, exploring the key moments and personalities that have contributed to its rise to prominence and established it as one of the most respected affiliations in BJJ. We'll take a journey through the humble beginning of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu to its record-breaking performance, and examine what it means for the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Alliance is a renowned BJJ academy that was founded in 1993 by four BJJ legends, Romero Cavalcanti, Alexandre Paiva, Fernando Gurgel, and Fabio Gurgel. The first headquarters of the Alliance was set up in Miami, Florida. All the founders of the Alliance Jiu-Jitsu aimed to establish a grappling school that would not only excel in quality training but also uphold a level of excellent professionalism.

Alliance Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has found its home in the heart of Georgia, Atlanta! The headquarters of this renowned BJJ academy is a bustling hub of activity. BJJ enthusiasts from all over the world gathered in the Alliance’s gym to train under the guidance of world-class instructors.

The training areas in the Alliance coaching centers are equipped with top-of-the-line mats, ensuring maximum safety and comfort for students during training. The instructors at Alliance academies are passionate about BJJ and are dedicated to helping their students reach their full potential.

Before 1993, the Gracie schools were the dominant forces in BJJ, with their extensive networks of affiliates spread all over the globe. This made it a challenge for other smaller institutions to capture dominant positions in the world championships.

However, at that time, Romero Cavalcanti came up with an innovative idea to team up with some of his brilliant students. He saw the potential in uniting smaller schools against the larger affiliates, creating a powerful collective that could compete with more power and technique. This strategic move became the origin of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu.

The major purpose behind the creation of the Alliance was to provide a platform for smaller schools to come together and challenge the top grapplers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Alliance team proved its dedication and expertise by quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in BJJ competitions.

From its inception, the Alliance team was determined to make its mark on the grappling world. This motive urged all practitioners to give their best on the mat. Hard work and dedication are key ingredients to achieving success in any endeavor. The Alliance team proved it in just the tenure of 5 years by staying focused and committed to their goals. The early Mundial Championship Title Wins of 1998, and 1999 are proof of Alliance's dedicated approach toward excellence.

From 1994, the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) reigned as the top governing body, hosting world championships and bringing together the best competitors from around the globe. However in 2002, a new player entered the game: the Confederacao Brasileira de Jiu-Jitsu Olimpico (CBJJO), determined to challenge the IBJJF's dominance. 

The founders of Alliance made the decision to compete under the IBJJF banner. However, all of Alliance’s black belt competitors were not on board with this decision. Some proficient grapplers including Demian Maia, Eduardo Telles, and Fernando Terere were drawn to the CBJJO's promise of something new and different.

The division within the Alliance ranks came with Fabio Gurgel's decision to impose the 3 months sanction on Demian Maia, Eduardo, and Fernando Terere. Furthermore, Fabio Gurgel removed Demian Maia from the Alliance team.This move caused a stir among the team's top competitors, many of whom felt betrayed by General’s decision.

In the aftermath, a mass exodus occurred. Twelve world champions from Alliance, including big names like Marcelo Garcia and Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles, Fernando Terere, and many more decided to strike out on their own, founding their own teams and affiliations. It was a seismic shift in the world of BJJ, and one that would take Alliance years to recover from.

In 2008, Alliance Jiu-Jitsu experienced a resurgence after a difficult period of rebuilding and redefining. The split that rocked the team in 2002 caused many of their top competitors to depart and form their own affiliations, leaving Alliance struggling to maintain its position as one of the top teams in BJJ.

However, throughout the process, the spirit of competition burned bright within the Alliance team, driving each of the athletes to push themselves to new heights. This dedication to excellence ultimately led to a renewed sense of purpose within the team, as they worked to reclaim their position as one of the most dominant forces in BJJ.

In particular, the dissolution of Fernando Terere's TT team  led to a significant influx of talent at Alliance, including Rubens Charles, Lucas Lepri, Leandro Martins, André Galvão, Sergio Moraes, and Goulart. These top competitors with their wealth of experience helped to solidify Alliance's position as one of the top teams in BJJ and paved the way for its continued success.

In 2010, Alliance achieved an impressive accomplishment by winning all major competitions: the European Championship, World Jiu-Jitsu, and Pan American Championship. It was a stunning achievement and one that firmed Alliance's place at the facade of the world grappling arena.

In addition, the Alliance Jiu-Jitsu team has an impressive record of winning 13 World Championship titles, 7 European Championship titles, and 5 Brazil National Championship titles. Alliance Jiu-Jitsu has firmly established itself as one of the most dominant forces in the grappling sport through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to its core values. Over the years, the team has produced hundreds of world champions across various weight classes and experience levels, with 25 black belts.

The great teamwork and combination of good sportsmanship set Alliance apart from its competitors, and it's a legacy that continues to this day. The team's success was due in no small part to their tireless dedication to excellence. From their world-class training facilities to their expert coaching staff, everything about Alliance Jiu-Jitsu was geared towards producing champions.

Alliance has once again rose through its commitment to excellence to the top of the competitive landscape, inspiring countless practitioners globally.

Alliance Jiu-Jitsu's reach extends far beyond its humble beginnings in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Today, there are over 300 affiliates of the team in 27 countries around the world, each one a testament to the enduring legacy of Alliance and its commitment to spreading the art of BJJ to every corner of the globe.

From the bustling streets of New York City to the sun-kissed beaches of Australia, Alliance's presence can be felt everywhere. Each affiliate is united by a shared ideology and love of the BJJ and a dedication to excellence that has become synonymous with the Alliance name.

Some of the major contributors to the success and international recognition of the Alliance Jiu-Jitsu are:

Alliance Jiu-Jitsu's impact on the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is undeniable. From its inception to its global network of affiliates, the team has been at the forefront of the BJJ for nearly three decades. These IBJJF-registered Alliance academies are a strong testament to its grace and excellence spread across the world. Each of these academies plays a vital role in the advancement of BJJ, serving as a hub for training, competition, and community building.

Alliance Jiu-Jitsu has truly made a name for itself in the world of martial arts by collectively scoring an astounding 1005 points in the 2021 to 2023 IBJJF ranking . All credit for this remarkable achievement goes to the dedication and hard work of both the instructors and students of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu.

Alliance Jiu-Jitsu has established itself as one of the most successful affiliations in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu history by securing 13 world titles.

The motto of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu, "I AM WE," encapsulates the institute's spirit of unity, collaboration, and community, emphasizing the importance of working together towards a common goal.

The head instructor of Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Atlanta is Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti, who is not only a highly skilled BJJ practitioner but also widely recognized as one of the pioneers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Alliance Jiu-Jitsu boasts an impressive roster of experienced and skilled team of instructors, including Leo Nogueira, DJ Farmer, Rodrigo Maciel, Yusef ABD Al-Rahman, and the legendary Romero Cavalcanti. These talented coaches have dedicated their lives to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and are committed to helping their students achieve greatness on the mats.

Alliance Jiu-Jitsu is a world-renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organization that offers a diverse range of training programs to suit the needs of every age group. Whether you're an adult seeking to master the art of BJJ or a kid or teen looking to build your confidence and discipline, Alliance Jiu-Jitsu has got you covered. Their highly trained instructors are committed to providing the best possible training experience for students of all ages, helping them to achieve their fitness and martial arts goals.

Alliance Jiu-Jitsu's legacy and impact on the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu cannot be overstated. From its humble beginnings in Sao Paulo to its dominant position on the global stage, Alliance has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible in BJJ. The team's innovative training methods, competitive yet collaborative environment and unbeatable dedication to excellence have produced a long list of world-class champions and established a global network of affiliates that spans 27 countries.

Alliance's journey has been marked by moments of hardship and triumph, from the split that rocked the foundation of the team to its record-breaking continued performances. Through it all, Alliance has remained committed to its core values of respect, integrity, and community, which have helped shape its identity and establish it as one of the most revered affiliations in BJJ history.

However, as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu continues to evolve, Alliance Jiu-Jitsu's legacy will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of martial arts.

Photo Credit: @alliancejjteam  and @alliancejjteam